Virat Kohli: If you are fearless, the results will fall your way
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Indian Test captain Virat Kohli, on Wednesday, issued a rallying cry to the Indian team ahead of their first Test against New Zealand, in Kanpur. The skipper felt that the current team had improved their batting against spinners and only the pitch conditions will decide the starting line up.
Earlier, head coach Anil Kumble had made it clear that he is not concerned about a spinning pitch at Kanpur for the opening Test against New Zealand on Thursday. Virat Kohli added to the statement today saying that the current team looks forward to it.
“I think it’s[facing spinners at Kanpur] not a concern,” Kohli said. “[But,]It is an area where we can improve.”
Kohli said that India lost the Galle Test in Sri Lanka last year because they did not play the spin bowling like they had wished to.
“We did not execute our batting plans, but we rectified that. The team wants to improve on that aspect of the game, something we surely needs to get strong. So much was build up (in media). We countered conditions really well away from home — England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, we focused on pace, so we didn’t pay that much attention on spin. That was one area where we feel that we could have worked or should have worked more.
“Now we are putting in more efforts to bat against the spinners longer. We are practicing the small little things. We are covering all bases because if you want to be a champion side, you don’t want to give the opposition any window to get into the game and that’s an area that needs to be worked on through the course of this season. Good thing is that we are playing a lot of Test cricket,” he said.
Kohli also opined that his side has all the ingredients to dominate Test cricket.
“We believe we certainly have what it takes to be the best in the world. One area where we have tapped into is belief. Lot of young players coming into can lack belief, there could be a lot of insecurities, whether I’ll play in the next game or whether my position is settled or not. So, it’s all about getting rid of all those feelings.
“When you step into the pitch, you need to tell yourself that I own this position for next 10 years for India in Tests, that’s how you can be confident and stress—free. That’s how you can express yourself and that’s what this team has been able to do. You want to play bold cricket, take risks,” said Kohli.
Kohli also stressed on the importance of being fearless to achieve the desired results.
“If you are fearless, the results will fall your way because you are willing to take that extra risk in the course of the game. I certainly feel that this team has what it takes to be the best in the world. What it requires is sustained concentration, attention to details, practicing the same way everyday, doing boring things,” said the 27-year old.
Speaking about the touring New Zealand side, Kohli said that the visitors are full of skillful players in their ranks and will pose a threat to India.
“We expect very good competition and hard fought cricket. They are a side that does not give up. They have pretty skillful players in their ranks, we are wary of that but we are aware of our strengths as well. Both need to focus on their strengths and don’t hand the advantage to other teams.
“They are a pretty good side, they play good positive cricket. We have seen in the last couple of years. Play fearless cricket, that’s one thing which stood out for me in their mentality. Their mentality was cricket was not the end of the world for them, they just enjoyed the game.
Kohli also hailed the leadership of his counterpart Kane Williamson for making the Kiwis a formidable outfit.
“I think they have been able to detach themselves from those pressures and that’s why they have got successful in last couple of years. I think Kane (Williamson) is leading the side very well,” the Indian captain said.
Speaking about the long season ahead, where India are set to play 13 Test at home, Kohli said that it will prove career-defining for the players in the team.
“Of course, this season will be a career defining for all those in this squad, because hardly we have played 17 Test matches regularly. That’s one thing we are happy about that we can plan our Test cricket, and test ourselves and get those wins whenever the chance comes. Very exciting times ahead.”
The captain also said that he will not reveal the starting line up for the Kanpur Test, as he does not wish India to become predictable.
“I think you can’t go with one set of combination or one track mind, it’s not logical in the longer run. You become predictable. You have to field the bowlers depending on the condition. We have to assess the workload on bowlers,” said Kohli.
